Airbus CEO Reports 1,122 Gross Orders For 2007

It appears Airbus has regained the sales lead for 2007. On Monday, the European planemaker announced a slew of orders, including two new orders and MOUs for its stalwart A320 family of planes, as well as the newly resurgent A350 XWB.

DAE Capital, the aircraft leasing and financing division of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to buy 100 Airbus aircraft, including 70 A320s and 30 A350 XWB Family aircraft.

DAE Capital aims to become a leading lessor based in the Middle East. Headquartered in Dubai, DAE Capital's parent company DAE manages a number of activities including airport development and operations, engineering, manufacturing and services.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman, DAE stated that "We are confident that DAE Capital will quickly become a leader in the aircraft leasing business, globally. In chosing a portfolio of A320s and A350 XWBs, we are investing in the most modern fleet available and one that'll offer our customers unmatched competitivity to help meet their own business demands".

"This order is a tremendous endorsement of Airbus aircraft," said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO. "We are delighted DAE Capital have chosen to base their fleet on our products and we look forward to a long term partnership. DAE's cluster of aerospace services allows customers to benefit from a world-class knowledge and service pool that is unique in aircraft leasing. The A320 really is the world's leading aircraft in its category and so is the A350 XWB in its class."

Enders told Reuters the planemaker has received 1,122 gross orders to date for 2007, of which Middle Eastern customers account for some 30 percent.

FMI: www.airbus.com, www.dubaiaerospace.com